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ARTICLES  OF  FAITH 

AND 

COVENANT 


OF  THE 

BAPTIST  CHURCH, 

OF 


MILTON,  NORTHUMBERLAND  COUNTY, 
PENNSYLVANIA. 


Philadelphia: 

T.  K.  & P.  G.  COLLINS,  PRINTERS, 

No.  1 Lodge  Alley 


1841. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
in  2017  with  funding  from 

University  of  Illinois  Urbana-Champaign  Alternates 


https://archive.org/details/articlesoffaithc00unse_13 


■a/u/^u 


COVENANT. 


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to 


Having  been,  as  we  trust,  brought  by  divine  grace 
to  embrace  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  to  give  up 
ourselves  wholly  to  him;  we  do  now  solemnly,  and 
joyfully  covenant  with  each  other,  to  walk  together 
in  him  with  brotherly  love,  to  his  glory  as  our  com- 
mon Lord. 

We  do  therefore  engage,  in  his  strength,  that  we 
will  exercise  a mutual  care,  as  members  one  of 
another,  to  promote  the  growth  of  the  whole  body, 
in  Christian  knowledge,  holiness,  and  comfort;  to 
the  end  that  we  may  stand  perfect  and  complete,  in 
all  the  will  of  God:  that  to  promote  and  secure  this 
object,  we  will  uphold  the  public  worship  of  God, 
and  the  ordinances  of  his  house,  and  hold  constant 
communion  with  each  other  therein;  that  we  will 
cheerfully  contribute  of  our  property  for  the  support 


1 I 62366 


4 


of  the  poor,  and  for  the  maintenance  of  a faithful 
ministry  of  the  gospel,  among  us:  that  we  will  not 
omit  closet  and  family  religion,  nor  allow  ourselves 
in  the  neglect  of  the  duty  of  religiously  training  our 
children,  and  those  under  our  care,  with  a view  to 
the  service  of  Christ,  and  the  enjoyment  of  heaven: 
that  we  will  walk  circumspectly  in  the  world,  that 
we  may  win  their  souls;  remembering  that  God 
hath  not  given  us  the  spirit  of  fear,  but  of  power, 
and  of  love,  and  of  a sound  mind;  that  we  are  the 
light  of  the  world,  and  the  salt  of  the  earth,  and 
that  a city  set  upon  a hill  cannot  be  hid:  that  we 
will  frequently  exhort,  and  if  occasion  require,  ad- 
monish one  another,  according  to  our  Lord’s  direc- 
tion, (Matt.  18.  15,  7,)  in  the  spirit  of  meekness; 
considering  ourselves  lest  we  also  be  tempted,  and 
that  as  in  baptism  we  have  been  buried  with  Christ 
and  raised  again;  so  there  is  on  us  a special  obliga- 
tion, henceforth,  to  walk  in  newness  of  life. 

And  may  the  God  of  peace,  who  brought  again 
from  the  dead  our  Lord  Jesus,  that  Great  Shepherd 
of  the  sheep,  through  the  blood  of  the  everlasting 
covenant,  make  us  perfect,  in  every  good  work  to 
do  his  will;  working  in  us,  that  which  is  well  pleas- 
ing in  his  sight,  through  Jesus  Christ:  to  whom  be 
glory  forever  and  ever.  Amen. 


ARTICLES  OF  FAITH. 


I.  OF  THE  SCRIPTURES. 

The  Holy  Bible  was  written  by  men  divinely  in- 
spired, and  is  a perfect  treasure  of  heavenly  instruc- 
tion;«  it  has  God  for  its  author,  salvation  for  its 
end, b and  truth  without  any  mixture  of  error  for  its 
matter;c  it  reveals  the  principles  by  which  God  will 
judge  us;^  and  therefore  is,  and  shall  remain  to  the 
end  of  the  world,  the  true  centre  of  Christian  union, e 
and  the  supreme  standard  by  which  all  human  con- 
duct, creeds  and  opinions  should  be  tried./ 

Places  in  the  Bible  wher.c  taught. 

a 2 Tim  3.  16,  17.  All  Scripture  is  given  by  inspira- 
tion of  God,  and  is  profitable  for  doctrine,  for  reproof,  for 
correction,  for  instruction  in  righteousness;  that  the  man 
of  God  may  be  perfect,  thoroughly  furnished  unto  all  good 
works.  Also  2 Pet  1.  31.  2 Sam  23.  2.  Acts  1.  16:  3. 

21.  John  10.  35.  Luke  16.  29,  31.  Ps  119.  111.  Rom 
3.  1,  2. 

b 2 Tim  3.  15.  Able  to  make  thee  wise  unto  salvation. 
Also  1 Pet  1.  10, 12.  Acts  11.  14.  Rom  l.  16.  John  5. 
34,  39.  Mark  16.  16. 


6 


c Proverbs  30. 5,  6.  Every  word  of  God  is  pure. — Add 
thou  not  unto  his  words,  lest  he  reprove  thee,  and  thou 
be  found  a liar.  Also  John  17.  17.  Rev  22.  18,  19. 
Rom  3.  4. 

d Rom  2.  12.  As  many  as  have  sinned  in  the  law, 
shall  be  judged  by  the  law.  John  12.  47,  48.  If  any  man 
hear  my  words — the  word  that  I have  spoken,  the  same 
shall  judge  him  in  the  last  day.  Also  1 Cor  4.  3,  4.  Luke 
10.  10,  16:  12.  47,  48. 

e Phil  3.  16.  Let  us  walk  hy  the  same  rule;  let  us 
mind  the  same  thing.  Also  Ephes  4.  3,  6.  Phil  2.  1,  2. 
1 Cor  1.  10.  1 Pet  4.  11. 

f 1 John  4.  1.  Beloved,  believe  not  every  spirit,  but 
try  the  spirits  whether  they  be  of  God.  Isaiah  8. 20.  To 
the  law  and  to  the  testimony;  if  they  speak  not.  according 
to  this  word,  it  is  because  there  is  no  light  in  them.  1 
Thes  5.  21.  Prove  all  things.  2 Cor  13.  5.  Prove  your 
own  selves.  Also  Acts  17.  11.  1 John  4.  6.  Jude  3.  5. 

Ephes  6.  17.  Ps  119.  59,  60.  Phil  1.  9,  11. 

II.  OF  THE  TRUE  GOD. 

There  is  one,  and  only  one,  true  and  living  God, 
whose  name  is  JEHOVAH,  the  Maker  and  Supreme 
Ruler  of  Heaven  and  Earth ;a  inexpressibly  glorious 
in  holiness;^  worthy  of  all  possible  honor,  confi- 
dence and  love;c  revealed  under  the  personal  and 
relative  distinctions  of  the  Father,  the  Son,  and  the 
Holy  Ghost;c?  equal  in  every  divine  perfections  and 
executing  distinct  but  harmonious  offices  in  the 
great  work  of  redemption./ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a Ps  83.  18.  Thou  whose  name  is  JEHOVAH,  art 
the  Most  High  over  all  the  earth.  Heb  3.  4.  Rom  1.  20. 
Jer.  10.  10. 

b Ex  15.  11.  Who  is  like  unto  Thee,  glorious  in  holi- 
ness? Isaiah  6.  3.  1 Pet.  1.  15,  16.  Rev.  4.  6,  8. 

c Mark  12.  30.  Thou  shalt  love  the  Lord  thy  God, 


7 


with  all  thy  heart,  and  with  all  thy  soul,  and  with  all  thy 
mind,  and  with  all  thy  strength.  Rev  4.  It.  Thou  art 
worthy,  O Lord,  to  receive  glory,  and  honor,  and  power: 
for  thou  hast  created  all  things,  and  for  thy  pleasure  they 
are  and  were  created.  Mat  10.  37.  Jer  2.  12,  13. 

d Mat  28.  19.  Go  ye,  therefore,  and  teach  all  nations, 
baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Father,  and  of  the  Son 
and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  John  15.  26.  When  the  Com- 
forter is  come,  whom  I will  send  you  from  the  Father, 
even  the  Spirit  of  Truth,  which  proceedeth  from  the  Fa- 
ther, he  shall  testify  of  me.  1 Cor  12.  4,  6.  1 John  5.  7. 

e John  10.  30.  1 and  my  Father  are  one.  John  5.  17. 

14.23.  Acts  5.  3,  4.  1 Cor  3.  10,  11. 

f Ephes  2.  18.  For  through  Him  [the  Son]  we  both 
have  an  access  by  one  Spirit  unto  the  Father.  2 Cor  2. 
14.  The  grace  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  and  the  love  of 
God,  and  the  communion  of  the  Holy  Ghost,  be  with  you 
all.  Rev.  1.  4,  5. 

III.  OF  THE  FALL  OF  MAN. 

Man  was  created  in  a state  of  holiness,  under  the 
law  of  his  Maker;#  but  by  voluntary  transgression 
fell  from  that  holy  and  happy  state;6  in  consequence 
of  which  all  mankind  are  now  sinners, c not  by  con- 
straint but  choice;^  being  by  nature  utterly  void  of 
that  holiness  required  by  the  law  of  God,  wholly 
given  to  the  gratification  of  the  world,  of  Satan,  and 
of  their  own  sinful  passions,  and  therefore  under 
just  condemnation  to  eternal  ruin,e  without  defence 
or  excuse/ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 
a Gen  1.  27.  God  created  man  in  his  own  image. 
Gen  1.  31.  And  God  saw  every  thing  that  he  had  made, 
and  behold,  it  was  very  good.*  Ec  7.  29.  Acts  17.  20. 
Gen  2.  16. 

h Gen  3.  6,  24.  And  when  the  woman  saw  that  the 
tree  was  good  for  food,  and  that  it  was  pleasant  to  the 


8 


eyes,  and  a tree  to  be  desired  to  make  one  wise;  she  took 
of  the  fruit  thereof,  and  did  eat;  and  gave  also  unto  her 
husband  with  her,  and  he  did  eat.  Therefore  the  Lord 
God — drove  out  the  man;  and  he  placed  at  the  east  of  the 
garden  of  Eden,  Cherubims,  and  a flaming  sword  which 
turned  every  way,  to  keep  the  way  of  the  tree  of  life. 
Rom  5.  12. 

c Rom  5.  19.  By  one  man’s  disobedience  many  were 
made  sinners.  John  3.  6.  Ps  51.  5.  Rom  5.  15,19.  8.  7. 

d Isaiah  53.  6.  We  have  turned  every  one  to  his  own 
way.  Gen  6.  12.  Rom  3.  9,  18. 

e Ephes  2.  1,  3.  Among  whom  also  we  all  had  our 
conversation  in  times  past  in  the  lust  of  our  flesh,  fulfilling 
the  desires  of  the  flesh  and  of  the  mind;  and  were  by  na- 
ture the  children  of  wrath  even  as  others.  Rom  1.  18. 
For  the  wrath  of  God  is  revealed  from  heaven  against  all 
ungodliness  and  unrighteousness  of  men,  who  hold  the 
truth  in  unrighteousness.  Rom  1.  32.  Gal  3.  10.  Mat 
25.41.  Rev  20.  15. 

f Ez  18.  19,  20.  Yet  say  ye,  Why?  doth  not  the  son 
bear  the  iniquity  of  the  father?  The  soul  that  sinneth,  it 
shall  die.  The  son  shall  not  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  fa- 
ther, neither  shall  the  father  bear  the  iniquity  of  the  son: 
the  righteousness  of  the  righteous  shall  be  upon  him,  and 
the  wickedness  of  the  wicked  shall  be  upon  him.  Rom 
1.  20.  So  that  they  are  without  excuse.  Rom  3.  19. 
That  every  mouth  may  be  stopped,  and  all  the  world  may 
become  guilty  before  God.  Gal  3.  22. 

IV.  OF  THE  WAY  OF  SALVATION. 

The  salvation  of  sinners  is  wholly  of  grace;a 
through  the  Mediatorial  Offices  of  the  Son  of  God, b 
who  took  upon  him  our  nature  yet  without  sin;c 
honoured  the  law  by  his  personal  obedience, d and 
made  atonement  for  our  sins  by  his  death;e  being 
risen  from  the  dead  he  is  now  enthroned  in  heaven;/ 
and  uniting  in  his  wonderful  person  the  tenderest 
sympathies  with  divine  perfections,  is  every  way 


9 

qualified  to  be  a suitable,  a compassionate,  and  an 
all-sufficient  Saviour.g* 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 
a Ephes  2.  5.  By  grace  ye  are  saved.  Mat  18. 11.  1 

John  4.  10.  1 Cor  3.  5,  7.  Acts  15.  11 . 

b John  3.  16.  For  God  so  loved  the  world  that  he 
gave  his  only  begotten  Son,  that  whosoever  believeth  in 
him  should  not  perish,  but  have  everlasting  life.  John  1. 
1,  14.  Heb  4.  14.  12.  24. 

c Phil  2.  6,  7.  Who  being  in  the  form  of  God,  thought 
it  not  robbery  to  be  equal  with  God;  but  made  himself  of 
no  reputation,  and  took  upon  him  the  form  of  a servant, 
and  was  made  in  the  likeness  of  men.  Heb  2.  9.  2.  14. 

2 Cor  8.  9. 

d Isaiah  42.21.  The  Lord  is  well  pleased  forhisright- 
eousness’  sake;  he  will  magnify  the  law,  and  make  it  ho- 
norable. Phil  2.  8.  Gal  4.  4,  5.  Rom  3.  21. 

e Isaiah  53. 4.  He  was  wounded  for  our  transgressions, 
he  was  bruised  for  our  iniquities;  the  chastisement  of  our 
peace  was  upon  him;  and  with  his  stripes  we  are  healed. 
Mat  20.  28.  Rom  4.  25.  3.  21,  26.  1 John  4.  10.  2.  2. 

1 Cor  15.  1,  3.  Heb  9.  13,  15. 

f Heb  1 . 8.  Unto  the  Son  he  saith,  Thy  throne,  O God, 
is  forever  and  ever.  Heb  1.3.  8.  3.  Col  3.  1,4. 

g Heb  7.  25.  Wherefore  he  is  able  also  to  ss*ve  them 
to  the  uttermost  that  come  unto  God  by  him,  seeing  he 
ever  liveth  to  make  intercession  for  them.  Col  2.  9.  For 
in  him  dwelleth  all  the  fulness  of  the  Godhead  bodily. 
Heb  2.  18.  In  that  he  himself  hath  suffered,  being  tempt- 
ed, he  is  able  to  succor  them  that  are  tempted.  Heb  7. 
26.  Ps  89.  19.  Ps  45. 

V.  OF  JUSTIFICATION. 

The  great  Gospel  blessing  which  Christ  of  his 
fulness, a bestows  on  such  as  believe  in  him  is  Jus- 
tification^ Justification  consists  in  the  pardon  of 
sin,c  and  the  promise  of  eternal  life,  on  principles  of 
righteousness;^  it  is  bestowTed  not  in  consideration 


10 


of  any  works  of  righteousness  which  we  have  done,e 
but  solely  through  His  own  redemption  and  right- 
eousness:/ it  brings  us  into  a state  of  most  blessed 
peace  and  favor  with  God,  and  secures  every  other 
blessing  needful  for  time  and  eternity. g 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a John  1.  16.  Of  his  fulness  have  we  all  received. 
Ephes  3.  8. 

b Acts  13.  39.  By  him  all  that  believe  are  justified 
from  all  things.  Isaiah  53.  11.  Rom.  8.  1. 

c Rom  5.  9.  Being  justified  by  his  blood,  we  shall  be 
saved  from  wrath  through  Him.  Zech.  13.  1.  Mat  9.  6. 
Acts  10.  43. 

d Rom  5.  17.  They  which  receive  the  abundance  ot 
grace,  and  of  the  gift  of  righteousness  shall  reign  in  life 
by  one,  Jesus  Christ.  Titus  3.  5,  6.  1 Pet  3.7.  1 John 

2.  25.  Rom  5.  21. 

e Rom  4.  4,  5.  Now  to  him  that  worketh  is  the  reward 
not  reckoned  of  grace,  but  of  debt.  But  to  him  that 
worketh  not,  but  believeth  on  him  that  justifieth  the  un- 
godly, his  faith  is  counted  for  righteousness.  Rom  5.21. 
6.  23.  Phil  3.  7,  9. 

f Rom  5.  19.  By  the  obedience  of  one  shall  many  be 
made  righteous.  Rom  3.  24,  26.  1 John  2.  12. 

g Rom  5.  1,  2.  Being  justified  by  faith  we  have  peace 
with  God  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ;  by  whom  also 
we  have  access  by  faith  into  his  grace  wherein  we  stand, 
and  rejoice  in  hope  of  the  glory  of  God.  Rom  5.  3.  We 
glory  in  tribulations  also.  Rom  5.  11.  We  also  joy  in 
God.  1 Cor  1. 30.  Mat  6.  36.  1 Tim  4.  8. 

VI.  OF  THE  FREENESS  OF  SALVATION. 

The  blessings  of  salvation  are  made  free  by  the 
Gospel;^  it  is  the  immediate  duty  of  all  to  accept 
them  by  a cordial  and  obedient  faith;/)  and  nothing 
prevents  the  salvation  of  the  greatest  sinner  on 
earth, c except  his  own  voluntary  refusal  to  submit 


11 

to  the  Lord  Jesus  Christ;^  which  refusal  will  sub- 
ject him  to  an  aggravated  condemnation.^ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a Rev  22.  17.  Whosoever  will,  let  him  take  the  water 
of  life  freely.  Isaiah  55.  1.  Luke  14.  17. 

b Rom  16.  26.  The  Gospel — according  to  the  com- 
mandment of  the  everlasting  God,  made  known  to  all  na- 
tions for  the  obedience  of  faith.  Mark  1. 15.  Romans  1. 
15,  17. 

c John  5.  40.  Ye  will  not  come  unto  me,  that  ye  might 
have  life.  Mat  23.  37.  Rom  9.  32.  Prov.  1.  24.  Acts 
13.  46. 

d John  3.  19.  And  this  is  the  condemnation,  that  light 
is  come  into  the  world,  and  men  loved  darkness  rather 
than  light,  because  their  deeds  were  evil.  Mat  11.20. 
Luke  19.  27.  2 Thess  1.  8. 

VII.  OF  GRACE  IN  REGENERATION. 

In  order  to  be  saved,  we  must  be  regenerated  or 
born  again;a  regeneration  consists  in  giving  a holy 
disposition  to  the  mind;6  and  is  effected  in  a man- 
ner above  our  comprehension  or  calculation^  by  the 
power  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  so  as  to  secure  our  volun- 
tary obedience  to  the  Gospel;c?  and  its  proper  evi- 
dence is  found  in  the  holy  fruit  which  we  bring 
forth  to  the  glory  of  God.e 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a John  3.  3.  Verily,  verily,  I say  unto  thee,  Except  a 
man  be  born  again,  he  cannot  see  the  kingdom  of  God. 
John  3.  7.  Rev.  21.  27. 

b Cor  5.  20.  If  any  man  be  in  Christ,  he  is  a new  crea- 
ture. Ez  36.  26.  Deut  30.  6.  Rom  2.  28,  29.  5.  5.  I 
John  4.  7. 

c John  3.  8.  The  wind  bloweth  where  it  listeth,  and 
thou  hearest  the  sound  thereof,  but  canst  not  tell  whence 
it  Cometh,  and  whither  it  goeth;  so  is  every  one  that  is 


12 


born  of  the  Spirit.  John  1.  13.  Which  were  born,  not 
of  blood,  nor  of  the  will  of  the  flesh,  nor  of  the  will  of 
man  but  of  God.  James  1. 16,  18.  1 Cor  1.  30.  Phil  2. 13. 

d 1 Pet  1.  22,  25.  Ye  have  purified  your  hearts  by  obey- 
ing* the  truth  through  the  Spirit  1 John  5.  1.  Whosoever 
believeth  that  Jesus  is  the  Christ  is  born  of  God.  Ephes 
4.  20,  24.  Col  3.  9,  11. 

e Ephes  5.  9.  The  fruit  of  the  Spirit  is  in  all  good- 
ness, and  righteousness,  and  truth.  Ilom  8.  9.  Gal  5.  16, 
23.  Ephes  3.  14,  21. 

VIII.  OF  GOD’S  PURPOSE  OF  GRACE. 

Election  is  the  gracious  purpose  of  God,  accord- 
ing to  which  he  regenerates,  sanctifies,  and  saves 
sinners;#  being  perfectly  consistent  with  the  free 
agency  of  man,  it  comprehends  all  the  means  in 
connection  with  the  end ;b  it  is  a most  glorious  dis- 
play of  God’s  sovereign  goodness,  being  infinitely 
wise,  holy  and  unchangeable^  it  utterly  excludes 
boasting,  and  promotes  humility,  prayer,  praise, 
trust  in  God,  and  active  imitation  of  his  free  mercy;d! 
it  encourages  the  use  of  means  in  the  highest  de- 
gree^ it  is  ascertained  by  its  effects  in  ail  who  be- 
lieve the  gospel;/  is  the  foundation  of  Christian  assu- 
rance;g  and  to  ascertain  it  with  regard  to  ourselves, 
demands  and  deserves  our  utmost  diligence^ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a 2 Tim  1.  8,  9.  Be  not  thou  therefore  ashamed  of  the 
testimony  of  our  Lord,  nor  of  me  his  prisoner;  but  be  thou 
partaker  of  the  afflictions  of  the  Gospel,  according  to  the 
power  of  God;  who  hath  saved  us  and  called  us  with  an 
holy  calling,  not  according  to  our  works,  but  according 
to  his  own  purpose  and  grace,  which  was  given  us  in 
Christ  Jesus  before  the  world  began.  Ephes  1.  3,  14. 
1 Pet  1.1,  2.  Rom  11.  5,  6.  John  15.  16.  1 John  4.  19. 
Hos  12.  9. 

b 2 Thes  2.  13,  14.  But  we  are  bound  to  give  thanks 


13 


always  to  God  for  you,  brethren  beloved  of  the  Lord,  be- 
cause God  hath  from  the  beginning  chosen  you  unto  sal- 
vation, through  sanctification  of  the  Spirit,  and  belief  of 
the  truth;  whereunto  he  also  called  you  by  our  gospel,  to 
the  obtaining  of  the  glory  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ.  Acts 
13.  48.  John  10.  16.  Mat  20.  16.  Acts  15.  14. 

c Ex  33.  18,  19.  And  Moses  said,  I beseech  thee, 
show  me  thy  glory.  And  He  said,  I will  cause  all  my 
goodness  to  pass  before  thee,  and  I will  proclaim  the 
name  of  the  Lord  before  thee;  and  will  be  gracious  to 
whom  I will  be  gracious,  and  will  show  mercy  on  whom 
I will  show  mercy.  Mat  20.  15.  Is  it  not  lawfuf  for  me 
to  do  what  I will  with  my  own  ? Is  thine  eye  evil,  because 
I am  good?  Eph  1.  11.  Rom  9.  23,  24.  Jer.  31.3. 
Rom  11.  28,  29.  Jam  1.  17,  18.  2 Tim  2.  9.  Rom  11. 
32,  36. 

d Cor  4.  7.  For  who  maketh  thee  to  differ  from  ano- 
ther? and  what  hast  thou  that  thou  didst  not  receive? 
Now  if  thou  didst  receive  it,  why  dost  thou  t:lory  as  if 
thou  hadst  not  received  it?  1 Cor  1.  26,  31.  Rom  3.  27. 
4.  16.  Col  3.  12.  1 Cor  3.  5,  7.  15.  10.  1 Pet  5.  10. 

Acts  1.  24.  1 Thess  2.  13.  1 Pet  2.  9.  Luke  18.  7. 

John  15.  16.  Ephes  1.  16.  1 Thess  2.  12. 

e 2 Tim  2. 10.  Therefore  I endure  all  things  for  the 
elects’  sake,  that  they  also  may  obtain  the  salvation  which 
is  in  Christ  Jesus  with  eternal  glory.  1 Cor  9.  22.  1 am 

made  all  things  to  all  men,  that  1 might  by  all  means  save 
some.  Rom  8.  28,  30.  John  6.  37,  40.  2 Peter  1.  10. 

f 1 Thess  1.  4,  10.  Knowing,  brethren  beloved,  your 
election  of  God:  for  our  Gospel  came  unto  you,  not  in 
word  only,  but  in  power,  &c. 

g Rom  8. 28, 39.  Moreover  whom  he  did  predestinate, 
them  he  also  called,  and  whom  he  called  them  he  also  jus- 
tified, and  whom  he  justified  them  he  also  glorified. 
What  shall  w7e  then  say  to  these  things?  If  God  be  for 
us,  who  can  be  against  us?  Isaiah  42.  16.  Rom.  11.  29. 

h 2 Peter  1.  10.  Wherefore  the  rather,  brethren,  give 
diligence  to  make  your  calling  and  election  sure;  for  if  ye 
do  these  things  ye  shall  never  fall;  for  so  an  entrance 
shall  be  ministered  unto  you  abundantly  into  the  ever- 


14 

lasting  Kingdom  of  our  Lord  and  Saviour  Jesus  Christ. 
Phil  3.  12.  Heb  6.  11. 

IX.  OF  THE  PERSEVERANCE  OF  SAINTS. 
Such  only  are  real  believers  as  endure  unto  the 

end;a  their  persevering  attachment  to  Christ  is  the 
grand  mark  which  distinguishes  them  from  super- 
ficial professors:Z>  a special  Providence  watches  over 
their  welfares  and  they  are  kept  by  the  power  of 
God  through  faith  unto  salvation. d 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 
a John  8.  31.  Then  said  Jesus — If  ye  continue  in  my 
word,  then  are  ye  my  disciples  indeed.  1 John  2.  27,  2$. 
3.  9.  5.  18. 

b John  2.  19.  They  went  out  from  us,  but  they  were 
not  of  us;  for  if  they  had  been  of  us,  they  would  no  doubt 
have  continued  with  us;  but  they  went  out  that  it  might 
be  made  manifest  that  they  were  not  all  of  us.  John  13. 
18.  Mat  13.  20,  21.  John  6.  66,  69. 

c Rom  8.  28.  And  we  know  that  all  things  work  to- 
gether for  good  unto  them  that  love  God,  to  them  that  are 
the  called  according  to  his  purpose.  Mat.  6.  30,  33. 
Jer.  32.  40.  Ps  121.  3.  91.  11,  12. 

d Phil  1.  6.  He  who  hath  begun  a good  work  in  you, 
will  perform  it  until  the  day  of  Jesus  Christ.  Phil.  2. 12, 
13.  Jude  24,  25.  Heb  1.  14.  2 Kings  6. 16.  Heb  13.  5. 

1 John  4.  4. 

X.  HARMONY  OF  THE  LAW  AND  GOSPEL. 
The  Law  of  God  is  the  eternal  and  unchangeable 

rule  of  his  moral  government;^  it  is  holy,  just,  and 
good ;b  and  the  inability  which  the  Scriptures  as- 
cribe to  fallen  men  to  fulfil  its  precepts,  arises  en- 
tirely from  their  love  of  sin;c  to  deliver  them  from 
which,  and  to  restore  them  through  a Mediator  to 
unfeigned  obedience  to  the  holy  law,  is  one  great 
end  of  the  Gospel,  and  of  the  Means  of  Grace. 


15 


Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 
a Rom  5.  21.  Do  we  make  void  the  law  through  faith? 
God  forbid.  Yea,  we  establish  the  law.  Mat.  5.  17. 
Luke  16.  17.  Rom  3.  20.  4.  15. 

b Rom  7.  12.  The  law  is  holy,  and  the  commandment 
holy,  and  just,  and  good.  Rom  7.  7.  7.  14.  7. 22.  Gal 

3.21.  Ps  119. 

c Rom  8. 7,  8.  The  carnal  mind  is  enmit3ragainstGod: 
for  it  is  not  subject  to  the  law  of  God,  neither  can  be.  So 
then  they  that  are  in  the  flesh  cannot  please  God.  Josh  24. 
19.  Jer  13.  23.  John  6.  44.  5.  44. 

d Rom  8.  2,4.  For  the  law  of  the  Spirit  of  Life  in 
Christ  Jesus  hath  made  me  free  from  the  law  of  sin  and 
death.  For  what  the  law  could  not  do,  in  that  it  was  weak 
through  the  flesh,  God  sending  his  own  Son  in  the  likeness 
of  sinful  flesh,  and  for  sin,  condemned  sin  in  the  flesh;  that 
the  righteousness  of  the  law  might  be  fulfilled  in  us,  who 
walk  not  after  the  flesh,  but  after  the  Spirit.  Rom  10.  4. 
I Tim  1.  5.  Heb  8.  10.  Jude  20.  21.  Heb  12.  14. 

XI.  OF  A GOSPEL  CHURCH. 

A church  of  Christ  is  a congregation  of  baptized 
believers, a associated  by  covenant  in  the  faith  and 
fellowship  of  the  Gospel;^  observing  the  ordinances 
of  Christie  governed  by  his  laws;o?  and  exercising 
the  gifts,  rights  and  privileges  invested  in  them  by 
his  word;e  its  only  proper  officers  are  Bishops  or 
Pastors,  and  Deacons,/whose  qualifications,  claims, 
and  duties  are  defined  in  the  Epistles  to  Timothy 
and  Titus. 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a 1 Cor  1. 1, 13.  Paul — unto  the  church  of  God  which 
is  at  Corinth. — Is  Christ  divided?  Was  Paul  crucified 
for  you?  Or  were  ye  baptised  in  the  name  of  Paul  ? Mat 
18.17.  Acts  5.  11.  8.1.  11.26.  1 Cor 4.  17.  14.23. 

3 John  9.  1 Tim  3.  5. 


16 


b Acts  2.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word  were  baptised;  and  the  same  day  there  were  added 
to  them  about  three  thousand  souls.  2 Cor  8.  5.  They 
first  gave  their  ownselves  to  the  Lord,  and  then  unto  us 
by  the  will  of  God.  Acts  2.  47.  1 Cor  5.  12,  13. 

c 1 Cor  11.2.  Now  I praise  you  brethren  that  ye  re- 
member me  in  all  things,  and  keep  the  ordinances  as  I 
delivered  them  unto  you.  2 Thess  3.  6.  Rom  16.  17,20. 
1 Cor  11.  23.  Mat  18.  15,  20.  1 Cor  5 and  6.  2 Cor  2 

and  7.  1 Cor  4.  17. 

d Mat  28.  20.  Teaching  them  to  observe  all  things 
whatsoever  I have  commanded  you.  John  14. 15.  15. 12. 

1 John  4.21.  John  14.  21.  1 Thess  4.  2.  2 John  6. 

Gal  6.  2.  All  the  Epistles. 

e Ephes  4.  7.  Unto  every  one  of  us  is  given  grace 
according  to  the  measure  of  the  gift  of  Christ.  1 Cor  14. 
12.  Seek  that  ye  may  excel  to  the  edifying  of  the  church. 
Phil  1 . 27.  That  I may  hear  of  your  affairs,  that  ye  stand 
fast  in  one  spirit,  with  one  mind,  striving  together  for  the 
faith  of  the  Gospel.  1 Cor  12.  1 Cor  14. 

f Phil  1.1.  With  the  Bishops  and  Deacons.  Acts  14. 
23.  Acts  15.  22.  1 Tim  3.  Titus  1. 

XII.  OF  BAPTISM  & THE  LORD’S  SUPPER. 

Christian  Baptism  is  the  immersion  of  a believer 
in  water, a in  the  name  of  the  Father,  Son,  and  Spi- 
rit ;b  to  show  forth  in  a solemn  and  beautiful  em- 
blem, our  faith  in  a crucified,  buried,  and  risen 
Saviour,  with  its  purifying  power;c  it  is  pre-requi- 
site to  the  privileges  of  a church  relation;  and  to  the 
Lord’s  Supper, d in  which  the  members  of  the  church 
by  the  use  of  bread  and  wine  are  to  commemorate 
together  the  dying  love  of  Christ;e  preceded  always 
by  solemn  self-examination./ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught, 
a Acts  8.  36,39.  And  the  eunuch  said,  See, here  is  wa- 
ter; what  doth  hinder  me  to  be  baptized.  And  Philip  said 


17 


if  thou  believest  with  all  thine  heart  thou  mayest. — And 
they  went  down  into  the  water,  both  Philip  and  the  eu- 
nuch, and  he  baptized  him.  Mat  3.  5,  6.  John  3.  22,  23. 
John  4.  1,  2.  Mat  28.  19.  Mark  16.  16.  Acts  2.  38. 
Acts  8.  12.  16.32,34.  18.8. 

b Mat  28.  19.  Baptizing  them  in  the  name  of  the  Fa- 
ther, and  of  the  Son,  and  of  the  Holy  Ghost.  Acts  10. 47, 
48.  Gal  3.  27,  28. 

c Rom  6. 1,  14.  Therefore  we  are  buried  with  him  by- 
baptism  into  death;  that  like  as  Christ  was  raised  from 
the  dead  by  the  glory  of  the  Father,  even  so  we  also  should 
walk  in  newness  of  life.  Col  2.  12.  1 Peter  3.  20,  21. — 

Acts  22.  16. 

d Acts  2.  41,  42.  Then  they  that  gladly  received  his 
word  were  baptized,  and  there  were  added  to  them  the 
same  day,  about  three  thousand  souls.  And  they  conti- 
nued steadfastly  in  the  Apostles’ doctrine  and  fellowship, 
and  in  breaking  of  bread  and  in  prayers.  Mat  28. 19,  20. 
Acts,  and  Epistles. 

e 1 Cor  11. 26.  As  often  as  ye  eat  this  bread  and  drink 
this  cup,  ye  do  show  the  Lord’s  death  till  he  come.  Mat 
26.  26,  29.  Mark  14.  22,  25.  Luke  22.  14, 21. 

f 1 Cor.  11.  28.  But  let  a man  examine  himself,  and  so 
let  him  eat  of  that  bread  and  drink  of  that  cup.  I Cor  5. 
7,  8.  10.  3,  32.  11.  17,  32.  John  6.  26,  71. 

XIII.  OF  THE  LORD’S  DAY. 

The  first  day  of  the  week  is  the  Lord’s  day;a  and 
is  to  be  kept  sacred  to  religious  purposes;^  by  ab- 
staining from  all  secular  labor  and  recreations;c  by 
the  devout  observance  of  all  the  means  of  grace, 
both  private  d and  public;e  and  by  preparation  for 
that  Rest  which  remaineth  for  the  people  of  God. 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught. 

a Acts  20.  7.  On  the  first  day  of  the  week,  when  the 
disciples  came  together  to  break  bread,  Paul  preached  to 
them.  Gen  2.  3.  Col  2.  16,  17.  Mark  2.  27.  John  20. 
19.  1 Cor  16.  1,  2. 

2 


18 


5 Ex  20.  8.  Remember  the  Sabbath  day,  to  keep  it 
holy.  Rev  1.  10.  1 was  in  the  Spirit  on  the  Lord’s  day. 

Ps  118.  24.  This  is  the  day  which  the  Lord  hath  made: 
we  will  rejoice  and  be  glad  in  it. 

c Isaiah  58.  13,  14.  If  thou  turn  away  thy  foot  from 
the  Sabbath,  from  doing  thy  pleasure  on  my  holy  day, 
and  call  the  Sabbath  a delight,  the  holy  of  the  Lord  ho- 
nourable; and  shall  honor  him  not  doing  thine  own  ways, 
nor  finding  thine  own  pleasures,  nor  speaking  thine  own 
words;  then  shalt  thou  delight  in  the  Lord,  and  I will 
cause  thee  to  ride  upon  the  high  places  of  the  earth,  and 
feed  thee  with  the  heritage  of  Jacob.  Isaiah  56.  2,  8. 

d Ps  118.  15.  The  voice  of  rejoicing  and  salvation  is 
in  the  tabernacles  of  the  righteous. 

e Heb  10. 24, 25.  Not  forsaking  the  assembling  of  your- 
selves together,  as  the  manner  of  some  is.  Acts  11.  26. 
A whole  year  they  assembled  themselves  with  the  church, 
and  taught  much  people.  Acts  13. 44.  The  next  Sabbath 
day  came  almost  the  whole  city  together  to  hear  the  word 
of  God.  Lev  19.  30.  Ez  46.  3.  Luke  4.  16.  Acts  17. 
2,  3.  Ps  26.  8.  87.  2. 

f Heb  4.  3,  11.  Let  us  labor  therefore  to  enter  into 
that  rest. 

XIV.  OF  CIVIL  GOVERNMENT. 

Civil  government  is  of  divine  appointment,  for 
the  interests  and  good  order  of  human  society;a  and 
magistrates  are  to  be  prayed  for,  conscientiously 
honored  and  obeyed, b except  in  things  opposed  to 
the  will  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ, c who  is  the  only 
Lord  of  the  conscience,  and  the  Prince  of  the  kings 
of  the  earth. d 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught . 
a Rom  13.  1,  7.  The  powers  that  be,  are  ordained  of 
God.  For  rulers  are  not  a terror  to  good  works,  but  to 
the  evil.  Deut  16.  18.  2 Sam  23.  3.  Ex  18.  23.  Jer 
30.  21. 

b Mat  22.  21.  Render  therefore  unto  Csesar  the  thing* 


19 


that  are  Csesar’s,  and  unto  God  the  things  that  are  God’s. 
Titus  3.  1.  1 Peter  2.  13.  1 Tim  2.  1,  8. 

c Acts  5.  29.  We  ought  to  obey  God  rather  than  man. 
Mat  10.  28.  Fear  not  them  which  kill  the  body,  but  are 
not  able  to  kill  the  soul.  Dan  3.  15,  18.  6.  7,  10,  Acts 

4.  18,  20. 

d Mat  23.  10.  Ye  have  one  Master  even  Christ.  Rom 
14.  4.  Who  art  thou  that  judgest  another  man’s  servant? 
Rev  19.  16.  And  he  hath  on  his  vesture  and  on  his  thigh 
a name  written,  KING  OF  KINGS,  AND  LORD  OF 
LORDS.  Psalm  72.  11.  Psalm  2.  Rom  14.  9,  13. 

XV.  OF  THE  RIGHTEOUS  & THE  WICKED. 

There  is  a radical  and  essential  difference  between 
the  righteous  and  the  wicked;^  such  only  as  through 
faith  are  justified  in  the  name  of  the  Lord  Jesus,  and 
sanctified  by  the  Spirit  of  our  God,  are  truly  right- 
eous in  his  esteem;^  while  all  such  as  continue  in 
impenitence  and  unbelief  are  in  his  sight  wicked, 
and  under  the  curse;c  and  this  distinction  holds 
among  men  both  in  and  after  death. d 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  taught . 
a Mai  3.  18.  Ye  shall  discern  between  the  righteous 
and  the  wicked;  between  him  that  serveth  God  and  him 
that  serveth  him  not.  Isaiah  5.20.  Gen  18.23.  Jer  15. 
19.  Acts  10.  34,  35.  Rom  6.  16. 

b Rom  1.  17.  The  just  shall  live  by  faith.  Rom  6. 
18.  We  are  delivered  from  the  law,  that  being  dead 
wherein  we  were  held,  that  we  should  serve  in  newness 
of  spirit,  and  not  in  the  oldness  of  the  letter.  1 John  2. 
29.  If  ye  know  that  he  is  righteous,  ye  know  that  every 
one  that  doeth  righteousness  is  born  of  him.  1 John  3.  7. 
Rom  6.  18,  22.  1 Cor  11.  32.  Prov  11.  31.  1 Peter  4. 

17,  18. 

c t John  5.  19.  And  we  know  that  we  are  of  God,  and 
the  whole  world  lieth  in  wickedness.  Gal  3.  10.  As 
many  as  are  of  the  works  of  the  law  are  under  the  curse. 
J ohn  3.  36.  Isaiah  57.  21 . Ps  10.  4.  Isaiah  55,  6,  7. 


(I  Prov  t4.  32.  The  wicked  is  driven  away  in  his  wick- 
edness, but  the  righteous  hath  hope  in  his  death.  See 
also  the  example  of  the  rich  man  and  Lazarus.  Luke  16. 
25.  Thou  in  thy  lifetime  receivedst  thy  good  things,  and 
likew  ise  Lazarus  evil  things:  but  now  he  is  comforted, 
and  thou  art  tormented.  John  8.  21,24.  ProvlO.  24. 
Luke  12.  4,  5.  9.  23,  26.  John  12.  25,  26.  Eel  3.  17. 

Mat  7.  13,  14. 

XVI.  OF  THE  WORLD  TO  COME. 

The  end  of  this  world  is  approaching;^  at  the  Last 
Day,  Christ  will  descend  from  heaven, b and  raise 
the  dead  from  the  grave  to  final  retribution;c  a so- 
lemn separation  will  then  take  place;e?  the  wicked 
will  be  adjudged  to  endless  punishment,  and  the 
righteous  to  endless  joy;e  and  this  judgment  will  fix 
forever  the  final  state  of  men  in  heaven  or  hell,  on 
principles  of  righteousness./ 

Places  in  the  Bible  where  tavght. 

a 1 Peter  4.  7.  But  the  end  of  all  things  is  at  hand;  be 
ve  therefore  sober,  and  w atch  unto  prayer.  1 Cor  7.  29, 
31.  Heb  1.  10, 12.  Mat  24.  35.  1 John  2.  17.  Mat  28. 

20.  13.  39.  13.  49.  2 Peter  3.  3,  13. 

b Acts  1.  11.  This  same  Jesus  which  is  taken  up  from 
you  into  heaven,  shall  so  come  in  like  manner  as  ye  have 
seen  him  go  into  heaven.  Rev  1.  7.  Heb  9.  28.  Acts  3. 

21.  1 Thess  4.  13,  18.  5.1,11. 

c Acts  24.  15.  There  shall  be  a resurrection  of  the 
dead,  both  of  the  just  and  unjust.  1 Cor.  15. 12,  59.  Luke 
14.  14.  Dan  12,  2.  John  5.  28,  29.  6.  40.  11.  25,  26. 

2 Tim  1.  10.  Acts  10.  42. 

d Mat  13.  49.  The  angels  shall  come  forth,  and  sever 
the  wicked  from  among  the  just.  Mat  13.37, 43.  24. 30, 
31.  25.27,  33. 

e Mat  25.  35,  41.  And  these  shall  go  away  into  ever- 
lasting punishment,  but  the  righteous  into  life  eternal. — * 
Rev  22.  11.  He  that  is  unjust,  let  him  be  unjust  still;  and 
he  which  is  filthy,  let  him  be  filthy  still;  and  he  that  is 


21 


righteous,  let  him  be  righteous  still;  and  he  that  is  holy, 
let  him  be  holy  still.  1 Cor  6.  9,  10.  Mark  9.  43,  48. — 
2 Peier  2.  9,  10.  Jude  7.  Phil  3.  19.  Rom  6.  22.  2 

Cor  5.  10,  11.  John  4.  36.  2 Cor  4.  18. 

y’Rom  3.  5,  6.  Is  God  unrighteous  who  taketh  ven- 
geance? (I  speak  as  a man.)  God  forbid;  for  how  then 
shall  God  judge  the  world?  2 Thess  1.  6,  12.  Seeing  it 
is  a righteous  thing  with  God  to  recompense  tribulation 
to  them  who  trouble  you,  and  to  you  who  are  troubled 
rest  with  us — when  he  shall  come  to  be  glorified  in  his 
saints,  and  to  be  admired  in  all  them  that  believe.  Heb 
6,  1,  2.  1 Cor  4.  5.  Acts  17.  31.  Rom  2.  2,  16.  Rev 
20.11,12.  1 John  2.  8.  4.17. 

Seeing  then  that  all  these  things  shall  be  bis- 

solved,  WHAT  MANNER  OF  PERSONS  OUGHT  YE  TO  BE  IN 
ALL  HOLY  CONVERSATION  AND  GODLINESS,  LOOKING  FOR 
AND  HASTING  UNTO  THE  COMING  OF  THE  DAY  OF  GOD? 2 

Peter  3,  11,  12. 


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